Where did the Shaka come from?

what does it mean?

The “Shaka”, otherwise known as “Hang Loose”, is one of the most famous hand gestures in the surfer world, internationally associated with surfing, surfers and surf culture.

This friendly surf salute is made by extending the thumb and pinky finger and curling in the three middle fingers and waving or rotating the hand back and forth. It can be used to convey a range of positive meanings including, “Hi”, “Peace”, “Thank you”, “Nice Job”, “Hang Loose” and “Goodbye”.

The “Shaka” gesture originates from Hawaii, and there are differing opinions as to how the “Shaka” came about. One of the most commonly cited theories is that it refers to Hamana Kalili of Laie (1882-1958), a Hawaiian fisherman who lost his three middle fingers in an accident whilst working at the Kahuku sugar mill. Unable to work in the mill, Hamana became a security guard working for the same mill but guarding the sugar trains. It was on these trains that kids would often jump on and off, hitching rides between villages, and to signal that Hamana wasn’t looking, they would imitate his hand, mocking his missing fingers.

Nowadays, this hand gesture is only associated with positive intentions and has become one of the most renowned and friendly international surf greetings. It is these positive and friendly vibes that inspired the name of Shaka Surf Morocco.